Finding happiness in simple things in life :D

HAPPY WEEKEND, everyone!

Gosh, it feels like I just wrote yesterday, but it's been almost three weeks since I wrote! Been extremely busy so hope you've all been very well :)

I am in a fantastic mood today, which is explained by the fact that I slept in, ate junk food and spent the afternoon watching "Alice in Wonderland" and reading one of my favorite author, Jen Lancaster's new book. Yes, that is my perfect Saturday afternoon!

I wanted to write about being happy today. There has been so many books out in the market about finding happiness and what makes people happy. People all over the world want to be happy, but I find that happiness is definitely subjective and depends on people.

Though many people believe money brings them happiness, it is not entirely true. Granted, not having to worry about money rocks (and endless shopping sprees, I am sure), but money brings more problems and worries for more people than you would ever imagine.

Not to get completely rough here, but Tupac always said "more money, more drama".

Being smart about money (finances) and having enough to do the things you want to do in life would make you happy, however.

Also I think health is very important. You can be the richest person in the whole world, but if you aren't healthy, what's the point? Health is something we can control to a great extent with a good diet and exercise regime.

I know I am young, but I feel that sometimes I am a much older person trapped in a body of a young person (which I am not complaining about, by the way LOL). What I mean is that I feel I am not like most twentysomethings, and here's why:

1. I got a house = mortgage I pay
2. I've always had to be responsible for myself and my family and I can't and won't make decisions that only benefit myself. It doesn't work that way.
3. I've learned so much about people in general and as a result have learned to read people extremely well, which most people around my age suck at, basically.

And on top of that, I would rather be spending quality time with people I truly care about on my free time rather than being out clubbing or hanging out with fake people trying to get them to like me.

I don't compromise who I am just so people would like me. Why? Because even if you are the nicest, kindest person in the world, chances are there will be at least one person who won't like you and that's just the reality, not your fault.

I think people who love me appreciate me for who I am, and that's what I love. It's sad to spend your life trying to be liked when it's better to be respected. :)

Be loyal to your true friends and family. Do NOT spend your time trying to have many friends who don't care about you and only call you to party. It is a waste of time.

Ok, I am digressing.

Back to finding happiness...

So I am realizing more and more that it's not hard to feel happy. I mean, there will always be factors in life that will get in the way. Life will always throw punches, and it is up to you whether you want to keep taking the punches or hit back, and I am telling you that in order to be happy, you have to keep fighting and find happiness in simple things in life.

I want you to take time to think about the moments when you feel happy. You may be surprised to find that it is not when you bought your $600 shoes or when you went to a fancy party. In fact, last time you felt happy was probably talking to one of your best friends and laughing your butt off talking about silly stuff.

I want to share with you what makes me happy or rather, times when I feel happy and grateful for my life :)

* My Lazy weekends = honestly, I have so much respect for people who choose to get up at 7 am on the weekends to go jogging, hiking and blah, but I would rather be sleeping in, get up around 2 pm and do absolutely nothing but read and watch movies all day while not moving a muscle from my couch.

* Spending quality time with my friends and sharing our stories over a bottle of wine = I am so grateful to have the friends I have. I love each and every one of them. If you know me well, you would know that I am very selective when it comes to allowing people in my life, especially true friends. You can't choose your family, but you sure can choose your friends. I am accepting of everyone, but I only choose to let a very few true friends share my life. You know who you are and I love you. I am fiercely loyal to my true friends.

I love sharing laughter and our life stories together over a good bottle of wine. I can be myself 100%, be silly and totally comfortable. My friends and I don't need to impress each other and we know of each other's flaws and imperfections but those are what make us unique. I feel truly happy when my friends and I are at coffee shops just talking for hours :)

* Spending time with my family = this one does not need any explanation. I love my parents so much and when I am home spending time with them, I am very happy. Dinner is a big deal for us and we talk about everything over dinner. I am also very protective of my family and am willing to make sacrifices to make them happy.

* MY DOG = She means so much to me, and I learn to be humble from her. Dogs get so happy about little things, and I honestly learn so much from that.

* Coffee = Drinking coffee and eating exquisite pastries rocks!

* Reading or watching my favorite TV shows = yep, this one pretty much makes me seem like a lazy bum, but it's true. After a hectic work week, catching up on my fav shows or reading new books I've bought is awesome!

* Michael Jackson's music & short films = Listening to THE GENIUS... the beautiful music he created literally puts a smile on my face. Next time you see a young woman smiling like a lunatic in a car, that's probably me!

* Gratitude = Take a look around. I am so grateful for the things I have, and being grateful for everything makes me happy in return.

There are many more things that truly make me happy, but for now, I am going to share the ones above. Let's be positive and be happy.

Learn to let things go and also, do not get worked up about what people say about you or try to keep up with others. Be yourself.

Ever since I decided not to compromise who I am for people, I've become a happier person.

What makes you happy? I want you to think about what moments make you happy, and start living your life being more grateful. I know it sounds cheesy, but it does change your outlook on life.

L.O.V.E.